Sauvignon Lightens Up Alcohol isn’t everything. I wish someone had told me that when I was eighteen and making an idiot of myself. But back then there wasn’t much in the way of choice, it was all or nothing. Although they contained less alcohol, more than two beers made my stomach churn, I didn’t really … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011 $26 Fresh-cut nashi notes, ginger and elderflower aromas lead to clean, refreshingly sweet pear, quince and honeydew flavours in the mouth. Sourced from Marlborough’s ‘Golden Mile’ this new addition to the Stoneleigh stable is unfussy, straightforward and juicy and sensational with spice-crusted beer can chicken or garlic and chilli … Read More
Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010
Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010 $14 Textbook viognier aromatics here – orange oil, apricot and mandarin peel, while in the mouth it’s ripe, rich and boasts a lush, oily finish. It’s an in-your-face style with warming alcohol and good length of flavour – and is a great partner with sweet and sour … Read More
Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010 $40 I was so mesmerised by the sexy red currant, cranberry, tamarillo, sweet rhubarb and spicy, cocoa-edged aromas that I had to remind myself to stop sniffing and actually take a sip. Thank the lord I did because this is superb stuff. Silky, fleshy and sewn together with elegantly … Read More
Neudorf Maggie’s Block Nelson Pinot Gris 2011
Neudorf Maggie’s Block Nelson Pinot Gris 2011 $26 If you’re a fan of dry Pinot Gris then fret no further. Perfumed with vibrant, clean pear and quince flavours, this Nelson wine, grown at their Balquhidder vineyard at Brightwater washes over the palate with juicy generosity and leaves a hint of oily texture. Excellent length of … Read More
17 October 2011 Central Riesling & Pinot Shine at International Show
Last week, for the first time in history a New Zealand riesling won the London-based International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Trophy for Single Vineyard White. The wine in question was the Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007 ($35) and now I’m itching to try it myself. This is a phenomenal international achievement for … Read More
Boundary Road Brewery ‘Chosen 1’ Golden Lager
Boundary Road Brewery ‘Chosen 1’ Golden Lager 330ml ($14x6pk) A crisp, lipsmacking 5%abv lager with lifted green hoppy notes, hints of oatmeal on the palate and a gentle tang on the finish. A touch of bitterness cleans it up nicely. Available at supermarkets nationwide.
Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009
Matua ‘Single Vineyard’ Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009 $69 Ruby-hued and exhibiting saucy aromas of plum compote and chocolate while in the mouth it has succulent cherry, blackberry and enticing spices. The oak is beautifully integrated, the acidity is elegant, the alcohol is warming and the finish is solid and muscular. Definitely a wine for … Read More
3 October 2011 Nelson First Fifteen
“Oh cool – what are you killing Dad?” my nine year old son craned his neck to see my husband drowning a white tail spider in a flood of Black Flag. “It was a big bugger son” said my husband as he flicked it out the window, “it almost crawled into your shoe”. “Should have … Read More
Yellow Tail Moscato NV
Yellow Tail Moscato NV $11 A burst of white-flesh nectarine, yellow plum and spritzy, tangy tropical tastiness is what you’ll get in each glass. Sure it’s sweet, but it’s also very clean and crisp and at a rather bashful 7.5% alcohol it’ll also help you keep your keel even during those long, summer lunches. Widely … Read More